3000 years ago Hindu meant peoples living in a geographical area. In 8th century Adishankara identified 6 major pagan faiths; Hindu/Hinduism was not included. In 1833 British formalised Hinduism as religion by adding numerous native faiths & it emerged as youngest major religion.
According to Indian President Dr S Radhakrishnan, "term Hindu had originally a territorial & not credal (religious) significance. It implies residence in a well-defined geographical area." Also, both Jains and Buddhists state that their religions are older than Hinduism.
Some in Republic of India use the term Sanatana Dharma to represent Hinduism. Sanatana Dharma has its advent in late 19th & early 20th century primarily to replace a foreign given name Hinduism a local version.
Swastika has never been the sole religious representation of Indian Hinduism. Earliest swastika ever found was in Mezine, Ukraine was 12,000 years old. No idol or even any place of worship has ever been found in any archaeological site of Indus Valley Civilisation of Pakistan.
Large majority of people of Pakistan in its entire 9000 years of urbanised history, were never religiously Hindus. They were majority Buddhists & later became majority Muslims. Word Hindu doesn't even exist in 1500 BC Rig Veda or any classical mythological Indian Hindu scripture.
Around 3000 years ago, in east Iranian language letter S was not used & replaced by H; whole area of Sindh (Indus) River Valley/Pakistan was called Hind. Word Hindu had nothing to do with religion, colour, caste or creed.
There is clear difference between Vedic culture and Indian Hindu culture. From religiosity point of view, Vedic people never called themselves Hindus and the current Indian Hinduism and the ancient minority Vedic culture of Pakistan can clearly be defined as two different faiths.
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